With an impressive 174,092 monthly listeners on Spotify and a growing social media presence, including 58k Instagram followers, Cali Tucker has successfully transformed her musical heritage into contemporary stardom. As the daughter of recording artist LaCosta Tucker and niece of country legend Tanya Tucker, she brings an authentic Nashville pedigree to her Vegas-influenced sound. After bursting onto the scene in Season 6 of The Voice as a Team Blake finalist, Tucker has grown into a force on the entertainment strip of Las Vegas, performing five nights per week in some of the city’s most exclusive hotspots, including Delilah at the Wynn, Resorts World, and Aria.
Her latest, “Urban Cowboy,” out September 6th, 2024, is the epitome of artistic growth from Tucker in its production and arrangement. The track opens with a stunning dance between humming phrases and very present electronic elements, proudly stating its nature from the get-go. The verse allows the distinctive vocals of Tucker to shine, her tone carrying her warmth and pop precision. As the pre-chorus builds up, it creates a dreamy harmonized backdrop that bursts into a quiet arena-performing-worthy chorus.
This means the production, guided by Grammy-nominated G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze and Tricia Battani, who also act as co-writers with Tucker, extends into a sophisticated conceptual setting that opts not to accept the strictures of genre. The arrangement is thoroughly modernist, mixing country instrumentation with fresh production methods: traditional string rolls and warm acoustic guitars intertwine with silky pop beats and strategically placed reverb effects.
Tucker’s delivery shows great dynamic control, going easily from smooth opening lines to high chorales. The production team decided to layer her vocals with airy harmonies, adding depth while keeping the organic feel of the song.
The arrangement of this song continues to build with each section introducing new elements that keep listeners interested. The chorus, in particular, showcases intelligent pop trends, which is a delicate balance that few other acts attempt, let alone pull off with such style.
Influences of Shania Twain abound in the production approach and in the vocal styling of Tucker herself, though she maintains her distinctive artistic voice.
Right from the moment I hit the play button on Cali Tucker’s “Urban Cowboy,” I became thoroughly enthralled. Being someone who loves both the authentic storytelling of country music and fresh production, I was completely drawn into Tucker’s world. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to get hip to “Urban Cowboy,” one of the most enthralling country-pop releases of 2024. The song is out now on all digital platforms; put it in your playlists, forward the link to your friends, and enjoy it.